While there will always be some disagreement as to what happened when during these days of Holy Week, Mark 14 links to stories together that frame the events of the week.

The first picture Mark paints is that of a woman who comes to the house of Simon the leper in Bethany and anoints the head of Jesus. Now, there are several things about this that I find fascinating. First, Jesus goes to eat with Simon, a leper. This had been the pattern of Jesus throughout his life, no reason for that to change now. He is always going to those on the margins of society and extending grace.

This woman takes a costly jar of nard, and she breaks the alabaster jar and purs out the ointment on the head of Christ. Extravagant, yes! But such was the depth of her love as she had obviously experienced the grace of forgiveness which was beyond cost.  Her deed continues to be told!

The second picture also continues to be told. Judas plots to betray our Lord. Here is what I find surprising. Much of our discussion about Judas centers on his motive. He did it for the money; he was a thief; he had become convinced that non-violence was not the right path; he was afraid for his own future….

But Mark’s emphasis is not on Judas’s motive, but on his membership among the twelve. For three years he had been among the twelve. For three years he had seen the miracles. For three years he had observed grace in human flesh. For three years…

For three years Jesus had treated Judas no differently. For three years Jesus had loved Judas as he had the others. When Jesus announces that one will betray him – they do not look at Judas. Instead, they ask “Is it I?”

Holy Wednesday gives us two stories that could not be more different. Such is the wonder of this week. May the grace and the love of the woman be yours this day and in the days to come. May we bring to Jesus all that we are and all that we have!